Stick or switch: results reveal how many would swap a caravan for a motorhome or vice versa

We had a feeling that November’s online poll would arouse debate amongst you caravan and motorhome owners. Some of you are open to the idea of switching your caravan for a motorhome or vice versa, whilst others prefer to stick to what you know.

In addition to the poll itself we asked you to explain your answer in the comment box. There are pros and cons to both so it was interesting to read why you voted the way you did.

We received 27 comments in total; 14 of you favoured your caravan while just 7 said that motorhomes were the better option. Two of you saw the appeal in both. This makes sense though as there at least 3 times as many touring caravanners in the UK.

The majority of you agreed that touring with a caravan is easier when it comes to arriving onsite and taking in the sights. Motorhomes were seen as the more convenient option though, especially with those of you not keen on towing.

Chris McGrady told us how he switched to a caravan just before he retired after 25 years of owning a motorhome, “It takes a bit of getting used to; lower speeds, more hassle getting ready and parking up. But as we now go away for weeks and months rather than days and weekends it works out better in the end.”

David Hinchliffe agrees saying, “We find a caravan is best for us as we can pitch up and the tour the area, before moving on. We only need one car to both pull the caravan and use when not caravanning. As to moving around, motorhomes are only allowed to go 10mph faster than a caravan so there is only a little advantage there and if they pull a car they are the same as a caravan. Motorhomes are OK but they are very expensive. Use whichever suits you.”

Fay Wood got in touch to say she thinks caravans are more comfortable: “We had a 5 berth motorhome first but found it held us back from visiting the places of interest due to parking barriers as it was too high for car parks so we changed to a caravan. Love it, so much more comfortable feels more like a home and we can now also get about in our car. Well worth the change.”

“I have never considered a caravan as I have never been keen on towing but mainly because we prefer to travel around rather that stay on the same site for the whole holiday,” David Catchpole shows his support of motorhomes. “As I see it Caravans and motorhomes are two different tools for different purposes. If you intend on staying on the same site for the duration of your holiday, a caravan must be the best option, whereas if you intend to tour staying at a different site each night a motorhome is far more convenient.”

Now for the all important results…

If you would like to see more of last month’s comments, click here and scroll to the bottom of the page.

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Comments

No comparison at all, its a motorhome all the way. There’s always been the debate about what to do for transport when you’ve arrived at a location. I find that this is where the caravaners like to pin their debate and talk about the ability to unhook the car and then go see the local sights. Well so do we, however we take the bicycles with us for that very reason. I get to see all the same sights, however I go green and don’t add to the pollution in the local area. I also don’t struggle to find somewhere to park, or pay the extortionate prices some places like to charge for parking. It also keeps us fit, which lowers cholesterol, improves the bloody low and let’s us sleep better at night. From some of the caravaners I’ve had the pleasure to meet could do with the exercise too.

The bit I like most is to watch the caravaners when it’s time to leave again. So much hassle and faffing about putting down awnings, taking in the satalite, the water, the waste, manoeuvring the car, the cursing and all the while I’m still sipping on my coffee, while I read my paper and then a quick 5 mins and I’m away again on the next leg of my adventure.

No, I certainly wouldn’t swop my motorhome for a caravan and besides, Europe is geared up for motorhomes and they’re most welcomed all across the Countries of our Forgein cousins and it’s the true home to tour in.

in my opinion There are a few different factors to determine which is the best,What type of holiday you are looking for,how old you are,your state health.years ago we traveled the length and breadth of the country in our fiat ducato hobby van with some fantastic memories.Nowadays in our latter 50s we are fortunate enough to own a Volkswagen campervan and a swift caravan.last year we did the scottish highlands and hebrides in our vw,for us a holiday of a lifetime with memories we will forever treasure but to be honest would not of been the same in our caravan.also whereas just the two of us and our westie dog.On the other hand a weeks holiday in the caravan with the grandchildren in June was pure bliss this year.Everyone has different requirements,and as long as we still have our health we will hopefully carry on using the campervan for many more years to come.On the otherhand we will not be without our caravan as they both have their plus and minuses.

Give me a Motor home every time when I reach a site all I do is plug into the electrics get the kettle on, get my TV ready for the evening and just relax, no putting down the jacks trotting over to the water point with your aqua roll some times in the rain. In a Motor home when you go out for the day you can cook a meal or make a hot snack then do your washing up when you get back on site.

Whatever the choice there are always compromises: I can see that a larger motorhome would be inconvenient for moving about at the destination. This is why we (me and my girlfriend) opted for a small campervan as it is easy to park and drive down small lanes although I have obviously had to compromised on space in the van so we have to travel light and be very tidy. As it is only 1.2m with the roof down so will go under most height barriers and is reasonable on fuel consumption. At under 5m it is cheaper on ferries. It suits us fine and I would never consider towing a caravan:

Have thought about changing from our motorhome to a caravan but don’t like the idea of having to carry water back and forth all the time etc.I have arrived on site in the wind and rain and have plugged in and dropped the rear steadies,Switched on the sky dish and opened a bottle of wine.I do tow a car on a A Frame which enables us to get up and go anytime. However I may look again at the situation.